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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s eighth annual Let’s Talk Health Week is coming back to Grand Rapids June 10-15 to highlight health disparities among minority groups and chronic illness prevention. The series of community-based wellness events emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

Chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes often affect minority groups at a disproportionately higher rate than other ethnicities, but both conditions are generally preventable. Grand Rapids’ growing Latino and African American population makes it a great place to start the discussion around what communities can do to lower their risk of these health conditions and live longer, happier lives. To that end, Let’s Talk Health Week brings local leaders, advocates, agencies and members of faith-based organizations together to discuss these disparities and empower individuals to take control of their health through lifestyle changes and preventive care. By incorporating more of these practices, individuals can feel better and do better.

“Let’s Talk Health Week offers an interactive and unique approach to addressing health concerns related to Grand Rapids’ diverse population. The program provides an opportunity for various individuals and organizations to come together for a common cause and collaborate, educate and raise awareness around lifestyle changes that result in longer, happier lives,” said Cle J. Jackson, senior community liaison for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

All Let’s Talk Health Week events are open to the public and offer fun and engaging ways to get active and talk about health choices. Raffle giveaways will take place throughout the program. Attendees also have the opportunity at each event they attend to submit their names into the grand prize drawing to receive a Fitbit. The grand prize drawing will take place on Monday, June 17.